Composition for correcting faults in ignition systems of automotive engines



Patented Jan. 26, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MICHAEL EVANS, or PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 1N0 Drawing..

My invention relates to a composition for correcting faults in ignition systems of automotive engines, and it relates particularly to a composition which is adapted to be ap 5 plied to the spark plugs and coil terminals of the ignition systems of automotlve engines, when the same become short circuited by exposure to water or dampness.

Heretofore, it has been recognized by automotive engine mechanics and operators that a considerable part of the ignition troubles occurring in the starting of such engines has been caused by the accumulation of water or moisture upon the surfaces of the 5 insulating parts of the spark plugs and 0011 terminals, particularly in damp weather, and even when said surfaces are wiped off in the usual manner, the faults continue, due to the fine surface film of moisture which it is difficult to remove.

It also frequently occurs in the washing of automobiles that some of the wash water will splash upon the insulator surfaces, causing short circuits which require considerable time, trouble and skill to locate and correct.

The same trouble often happens when automobile and motor boat engines are left standing during rain storms.

The object of my present invention is to provide a composition which may be easily applied by a relatively unskilled person, for the purpose of correcting ignition faults caused by water or moisture short circuitmg the spark plugs and coil terminals in automotive engine ignition systems.

The nature and characteristic features of my invention will be more readily understood from the following description of a typical composition embodying the main 40 features of my present invention, as well, as

' the preferred manner of making the same, it being understood, of course, that considerable variation may be made therein without departing from the spirit of my invention.

The composition preferably comprises thirty parts of lubricating oil, of the consistency designated medium, commonly used for lubricating automotive engines; ten parts of kerosene; one part of rosin; two parts of paraflin wax.

Application filed July 9, 1928.- Serial No. 291,500.

The ingredients above mentioned are first individually tested, in any preferred manner, for theirinsulating qualities, after which the same are mixed, andthen boiled slowly for about fifteen minutes, .whereby the rosin. and 1 paraffin wax will be. dissolved and taken up, and thereafter held in solution or suspension.

To the above,-thereis also preferably added a dye suiiicient to cause thecomposition to assume a distinguishing color,.such', for example, as pink; There is-nalso preferably] added an odorizing'material, such aswintergreen,"to give the composition a distinguishing odor, although it will, of. course, beun-1. derstoodthatthe dye and odorizer. arenot essential to thefunctioning .of the compound 7, in the manner hereinafter explained.

The composition is preferably placed in bottles, or other suitable containers, having ,a' stopper provided' with a swab made of sponge, or other suitable material, mounted on the end of a wire or rod carried by the stopper.

When the automotive engine will not start properly, owing to ignition trouble, the stopper is removed from the bottle, whereupon the portion of the composition which is absorbed by the swab is applied to the surfaces of the porcelains of the spark plugs, as well as around the terminals of the coil.

It will be found that when the composition is thus applied, moisture will be removed from the surfaces of the insulators, and short circuiting of the high tension current will be effectively minimized, so that the engine will readily start.

After the engine becomes heated to a certain extent, the kerosene as well as the volatile parts of the lubricating oil will be evaporated, leaving upon the surfaces of the insulators a deposit composed of paraffin wax, rosin, and the non-volatile greases of the lubricating oil, which substances, being less hydroscopic than the materials commonly used for insulating purposes in the spark plugs and coil terminals, will thereafter prevent the aocumulation of moisture upon the surfaces thereof.

It will be found that an application of the composition herein described, and in the maniii) ner set forth, will not only serve immediately to correct ignition troubles caused by moisture, but will also act to prevent recurrence thereof so long as the residium of the composition remains upon the surfaces of the insulating parts of the ignition system of the engine.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the composition. For example, the proportions of the ingredients may be changed, and also equivalent materials may be substituted therefor should occasion arise.

Having thus described the nature and characteristic features of my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A composition adapted to be applied to the surfaces of the insulators in the ignition systems of automotive engines for correcting faults therein, comprising rosin and parafiin wax held in solution or suspension in avehicle consisting of a mixture of lubricating oil and kerosene.

2. A composition adapted to be applied to the surfaces of the insulators in the ignition systems of automotive engines for correcting faults therein, comprising one part of rosin and two parts of paraffin Wax held in solution or suspension in a vehicle consisting of a mixture of thirty parts of lubricating oil and ten parts of kerosene.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

LHGHAEL EVANS. 

